Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta gives clues to strength of side for FA Cup clash as he speaks ahead of Portsmouth trip

Mikel Arteta has given some selection clues as he prepares to rotate his side for the FA Cup visit to Fratton Park tomorrow.
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The Gunners boss will be hoping to bounce back from his side’s Europa League disappointment as they crashed out at home to Greek side OIympiakos on Thursday night.

And Arteta is expected to make changes after a run of four games in 10 days for the fifth-round clash.

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The former Manchester City coach suggested full-back Kieran Tierney is close to a return after being missing since the start of December with a shoulder injury.

And Spanish defender Pablo Mari is closing in on a debut after joining from Brazilian side Flamengo in the January window.

Rob Holding, Ainsley Maitland-Niles and Reiss Nelson are all also in contention for the televised sell-out clash at Fratton Park, after under-23 action against Manchester City on Friday night.

Arteta told Arsenal.com: ‘He (Tierney) is much closer. He is evolving really well. He feels fit. He feels confident now. He's doing the stuff with contact, so hopefully we can have him soon.

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‘As soon as I don't know when! (he will be ready). Whenever we decide.

Mikel Arteta. Picture: John Walton/PA WireMikel Arteta. Picture: John Walton/PA Wire
Mikel Arteta. Picture: John Walton/PA Wire

‘Yes, I think he (Mari) need minutes, like Rob (Holding) did, like Ainsley (Maitland-Niles) and like Reiss (Nelson) as well.

‘I think it (the Manchester City game) was a good game for them to get their fitness levels tested as well and they trained today really well. They are all, I think, ready to play.’

The FA Cup clash now represents Arsenal’s last chance of collecting silverware this season and Arteta feels it’s a competition which still holds appeal.

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He added: ‘It's really special. It's probably one of the nicest games and days of the season when you play the final day in England, at Wembley, nice weather and an incredible atmosphere.

‘And you know, it's a trophy that's been very much linked with our history. So we want to continue to be attached to that, knowing that on Monday night in Portsmouth, it will be tough.’

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